m e l i s s a p e c k

2011-07-26T16:53:00.001-06:00

This painting was inspired and named after my pregnant sister-in-law Amy. This piece is available at Coda Gallery.

2011-07-26T16:44:00.003-06:00

Here are a couple photos of my new home. I painstakingly made and installed this nickel floor with the help of some awesome friends who had mercy on me and the project I had taken on. I saw it on apartment therapy and decided to give it a try. The top photo is detail of my kitchen. I painted the inside of my cabinets Chartreuse and then oil painted some flowers on some of them. I LOVE my new kitchen and nickel floor!

2011-05-10T13:05:00.005-06:00

I don't know if I am the only artist who does this ( I would guess not) but occasionally I like to revisit a painting from the past. The middle painting is from 2007 and I loved it so much at the time. I actually painted it with Barb Campbell's pottery in mind. I wanted both mother and daughter to have a porcelain quality to them. I still remember driving this particular painting to the gallery knowing that it was already sold. I actually cried because I was sad to see it go. So with my upcoming show at Cavalier Gallery I decided to see what would happen if I painted it again with my skills now. I love both paintings and as a mother of two girls love the moments they are cuddled in my arms.

2011-01-01T20:00:00.002-07:00

Unfortunately this is not a very good copy of this painting but I love it in person. Inspired by The Wizard of Oz, this painting sold before it ever left my studio.

2010-10-23T07:03:00.002-06:00

Many of you know how very rare it is for me to paint boys. This little guy Jack has such a sweet face. I wish I could say I loved every minute of painting this but it was a commission piece and stressed me out. This poor family had to wait over a year for me to finish this painting. It is a little more realistic than some of my paintings but I love the way it turned out in the end.

2010-07-19T14:14:00.002-06:00

These are details from paintings currently in my studio. Since I am currently painting for a solo show for November 4th at Bonner David I will not be posting the full images just yet. In the top image it is detail from a multi figured piece that came as a result of my reflecting on the different stages of my life. The writing in the dress is copied from my own journal in 1983. The Garfield on the lunchbox is taken from a page of doodles from when I was 12 years old. The bottom photo is an example of some of the fabrics I have been incorporating into my new paintings. While I was in Japan I found a book of German vintage fabrics which these both came from.

2010-07-05T12:44:00.002-06:00

These are my two latest paintings. I love the way the girl at the top holding the stuffed animals came together. The one on the bottom may look familiar. This painting was mostly greens and I decided to rework it and like this new color combination much better.

2010-05-31T16:12:00.002-06:00

For those of you interested. This painting is on the cover of the June issue of Art Calendar, as well as an article inside about my career as an artist and two additional paintings. It is a magazine available at most major bookstores. I know for sure that it is available through Barnes and Noble.

2010-04-09T13:32:00.001-06:00

2010-03-30T22:47:00.003-06:00

These are my two latest paintings. The top painting is titled "Talleigh" and is 18x24 available through Cavalier Galleries. My favorite detail of this painting is the button on the side of her dress. It is an old button I have laying around my studio and I had a great time painting it. The bottom painting "Zoey" is already sold. I love the shirt on Zoey because once again it reminds me of something I would have worn as a little girl. I filed my taxes today....phew! It is the one day of year when I lay papers all over my studio and reckon with the stacks of receipts and papers I have kept all year. Yahoo, it is done and I even get a refund! I am working on some things I am just loving right now but once again I am painting for a solo show in November at Bonner David Gallery and don't want to reveal the images just yet. I will try and post a few bits and peices though. Thank you for those of you who actually follow and check my blog, sorry I am not more diligent at posting. It is all part of being pulled in too many directions as a mother and artist.

2010-02-16T11:36:00.002-07:00

I just recently finished this painting. It is 8 x 12 and will be available through Bonner David Gallery. I had a great time painting this one. I am currently in love with the colors and clothes from the 70's. I am sentimental to the core and painting these things that remind me of my childhood helps me feel connected to some long lost part of me. I like my work more than ever and am surprised that I continue to refine my style and skills with every new painting.

2009-12-29T21:53:00.002-07:00

This painting was a Christmas surprise from a cute client of mine for her brother. She sent me photos of them both as children for reference. As you all know it is rare that I paint a male figure and I thought he had especially unique hair which was fun to paint.

2009-12-02T12:14:00.003-07:00

These are two new paintings I sent to Bonner David Gallery for their small works show. On the bottom piece "Afternoon with the Birds" came about almost by accident. I was having a hard time getting the mothers nose just the way I wanted it so I decided to put a mask like bird nose which then spurred the idea for the rest of the painting. I love these two little ladies and have to laugh at the difference in hair color between the mother and her daughter... which is the exact opposite of me and my girls.

I am currently experiencing some sort of artists block... I am wanting to paint something different or women in a different way only I am not sure what that is. Honestly, as important as moments like this are to my evolution as an artist, they scare me to death! Don't worry, I am so driven to create that I am sure I will come up with something soon.

2009-11-04T16:52:00.002-07:00

This is my most recent painting "Olea". It is a small painting which is available through Bonner David Gallery. I tried something new with paper on this one and am very pleased with the way it turned out.

2009-10-14T15:52:00.002-06:00

Here is detail of a painting I am currently working on. It is a woman surrounded by 3 birds. I had the opportunity this last weekend to attend an artist's retreat where I met James Christensen who is one of my all time favorite artists. I remember so clearly seeing his work when I was 14 at ZCMI mall. It is pretty cool what 20 years can do. There I was relating to him as another working artist. He was the keynote speaker and gave such an inspiring talk. I had the opportunity in the past as well as at the retreat to meet his daughters Cassandra Barney and Emily McPhie who are both delightful. All three of us are mothers of girls and working artists and relate in so many areas... but first and foremost the lack of time! I think time and the management of it will forever be my greatest struggle as a mother and an artist.

2009-09-14T16:07:00.004-06:00

I know that I have been terrible about blogging lately! For those of you who check... sorry, I will try and be better. As an artist I go through times of pulling in and focusing. I have this other little world in which I exist in order to create the paintings that I do. Painting for my show in July was intense. Some days I would paint 12 hours in one day, so in August I took a month off from painting so that I could enjoy the last few weeks of summer with my girls. It has felt good to be back in the studio painting and I am learning to accept that creativity sometimes comes in intense waves and it is ok to take a little time to refill once in a while. I want to thank those of you who came to my show and also those who bought paintings. I feel very fortunate and don't take for granted that I am lucky enough to support myself doing something I am so passionate about. Above are two recent small paintings which are available through Bella Mesa Gallery in California.

2009-07-01T22:09:00.003-06:00

This is one of two new paintings I just sent to Cavalier Gallery. I love this particular painting and hated to see it go. I have never painted such red lips before which I love with the contrast of her light eyes and green background. I am SO burnt out from painting too much but I don't even dare let myself think about it with just a few weeks left to prepare for my show. I am so excited about this new group of work and feel like it is my strongest yet.

2009-06-14T06:47:00.002-06:00

Some of you may already know that I am painting for an upcoming solo show at Coda Gallery in Park City, Utah. The show is Friday, July 31st from 6 to 9 pm. It is free and the Park City Arts Festival will be set up that night. It is a fun time to be in Park City and I am looking forward to seeing many of you there! My studio is full of new work which I will be posting on my website about a week before my show. I am painting some smaller pieces than usual for my show as well which are about 5 x 8 and will sell for $600.

2009-05-01T07:16:00.002-06:00

I made the deadline for my painted plate for the Art Access "300 plates" show... by one day! I was a slacker this year. It didn't help that the first day I worked on this piece it fell face flat against the carpet. Luckily it's overall texture was unaffected. I love this little painting! Currently I seem to be painting the majority of my eyes blue. I love the way different shades of blue play off of each other.

2009-04-19T22:32:00.004-06:00

It is funny that sometimes I think my experience as an artist is so unique to me (because it feels that way) until I look around and see that I am not the only one who is trying to figure life out through the images I create. The top painting is about me figuring out the "Mechanics of the Heart" It is about falling in love and the journey of staying in love once you do. I incorporated one of my favorite images of Lizbeth Zwerger one of my all time favorites. The image is an illustration from her Wizard of Oz. Sometimes I feel like my own questions about love are like Dorothy approaching the Wizard... the answers really lie within myself and it is amazing the journey I go on in order to find them. The bottom painting is a commission piece I just finished for a woman who fell in love with "Puddin Face."

I am excited about the work going on in my studio. I actually just entered my current favorite into the Spring Salon at Springville. I love it so much it actually hurt to have to part with it... I am telling myself (at least for now) that I get to keep it. I have decided that if I didn't let myself keep a painting every once in a while I think my artist would rebel and lose the desire to create. Honestly, I don't have the money to buy my own art! I guess that is the advantage of being the artist... kind of like getting free dental work when your dad is a dentist... right? ;-)

2009-03-12T17:39:00.002-06:00

I just added some of my recent images to my website under portfolio/available. Take a look and let me know what you think.

2009-02-26T21:59:00.002-07:00

This is one of my favorite photos from my show at Bonner David. My stepdad Kevin is in the photo with me. He was at my show and a huge part of the reason I haven't given up on being an artist. I love this guy... I'm super lucky to have him in my life.

2009-02-20T16:47:00.002-07:00

These are detail shots from my new painting. I think it could be the sunlight... I think that it could simply be that tough times don't last forever... but lately I have been feeling so good. I just took four new paintings that I really like up to Coda which unfortunately are not yet on my website (still need to update photoshop). This last painting is once again my way of processing life. In my paintings I am able to express some of the things that I feel and can't seem to find any words for. I honestly believe that I became an artist out of necessity. It is my way of surviving life and finding extraordinary beauty in the midst of it all.

2009-02-06T16:24:00.002-07:00

This is what I have been up to... I never knew I had a secret passion for playing with metal. Can you imagine me going through scrap piles at Wasatch Steel and using a plasma cutter? I even learned a little welding and had a blast exploring a whole new medium. These hearts are for sale at Dough Girl (770 S. 300 W.) and range from $5.00 to $22.00. If you stop in try a cookie, they are to die for. I have been working there a little helping out my girlfriend who just opened about six weeks ago. These cookies are her art and you will know what I mean when you tast them. My current favorite is Vivianna (an orange dough with mangos and dark chocolate.)

2009-02-02T21:59:00.002-07:00

Sorry that the copies of these paintings are so terrible... my photoshop is out of commission but I couldn't wait to share these with you. These are both 12x12 inches and I love them! They are a welcomed reward after a couple intensly hard months. I watched Meet the Robinsons with my girls tonight, it is a Disney cartoon. Probably my favorite because of the message of the movie. There is a part in the movie when the little boy gets to meet himself in the future, and then there is the Rob Thomas song that goes with it "These Small Moments" that I also find so touching. I relate so much to the movie because as a little girl I had big dreams. In the depths of my heart I knew I was an artist and had so much inside of me that at the time I didn't yet have the skills to express. It makes me want to cry when I think what if I hadn't believed in me. I especially love what the painting above with the woman's hair blowing in the wind represents to me. The last couple of months have shaken me to my core and this painting is my prayer that I can make it through all of the things I have been facing... that I will stay grounded even in the strongest storm. I honestly believe that being an artist has been my saving grace in surviving this world that we live in and I am so grateful!

2009-01-28T20:49:00.003-07:00

The top painting was a bit of an experiment for me. I am going to crop it just above her nose, so you will not see her eyes. I loved the gesture of the way she is standing, her neck, and the ruffles of her blouse. The photo below is what my palette looked like after I let Eve paint (her painting is on the right). Everything was covered in paint including her...

So I ran into my neighbor at the grocery store and he said "I bet you are so worried about the economy, because nobody will be buying art. I wouldn't wait for it to trickle down, he said... you should figure out what you are going to do now." Jeesh! As if I am not already aware of the state of the economy. I am way to sensitive of a person not to be feeling the effects in my own life as well as all around me... but I will stay positive! Negativity kills creativity, and I cannot think of a more important time for people to be focusing on the positive. My work is created with the purpose of spreading light and beauty and somehow I will continue to be a creator. I heard something the other day that really struck me, it was "We are the artists as well as the art." There is so much implied in that simple statement, and I love it!

2009-01-19T21:36:00.002-07:00

The last couple of months have been interesting for me. In December I decided to take a seasonal job at Bare Essential. Partly because I love makeup and women's faces are very inspiring to me as an artist, but also because I just needed to get out of the house and quit taking myself so seriously. Also my best friend just opened Dough Girl which I will blog more about in the future and have been working with her while she is getting started. The bottom line is I have hardly painted. I think I let the economy freak me out thinking why should I expect people to buy paintings at a time like this. Having the pressures of being a single mom has made me wonder at times why I chose to pursue such a tough career, (sometimes I don't feel like I really chose it as much as it chose me). I have been struggling trying to figure out how I can balance out the sporadic income with my regular bills. Ironically enough I have been selling lately and the demand for my work has returned but I haven't been painting and once again feel like I am behind and can't catch up. Not really sure what I am going to do. I haven't been writing much because I haven't known what to say. So this entry is for those of you who are also artists who go through similar times. I know that it could be easy to look at some of my success and not know that it is actually really tough being an artist. I know from talking to some of my artist friends that I am not the only one who experiences this and thought that maybe it would benefit those of you who also struggle to know that you are not alone. This entry is not meant to be negative, just honest and I hope that someone will relate.

2009-01-08T22:30:00.002-07:00

Wow. I just realized that I haven't written for a month. Sorry for those of you who read my blog. Last weekend I took a body of work down to Bonner David Gallery in Scottsdale for my upcoming show on the 17th. I literally packed up all of my art in the middle of a blizzard. I was hoping for a few hours of warmth when arriving in Arizona but as rare as it is... it was cold! Just wanted to let you know that I have posted the new paintings that are a part of my show on my website. Also I am featured in an article in the January issue of American Art Collector. You can find it at Barnes and Noble or Borders under the Art section of the magazines.

2008-12-08T22:03:00.003-07:00

I have been having some kind of technical difficulty uploading photos from my computer onto my blog... so sorry. I know it has been a while since I have posted anything and that is why. There is an image in the slide show of a woman crouching down inside of a box with a clock above her. It is the painting I am currently working on and it is called "Hiding from Time". This painting is my way of taking something that I am struggling with and creating something beautiful out of it. Getting a grip on time is something that I always seem to be struggling with... there never seems to be enough of it. I literally feel like I am in a time warp. It reminds me of the part in the movie Groundhog Day when his alarm clock goes off day after day like there was no time passing in between. Like the woman in the painting I would like to just hide from time... stop these fleeting moments and soak in what seems to be passing me by.

2008-12-03T22:52:00.001-07:00

2008-11-20T11:25:00.003-07:00

Just a reminder for those of you interested in coming. Tomorrow night at 6 pm I will be speaking at The Bridge Academy. The address is 148 W. 600 S. in Provo. I will be speaking about my journey as an artist and giving my insight about what I have learned along the way.

No kidding, I was in the middle of painting this woman standing in the middle of balloons when my friend and amazing photographer Janelle called me and told me that she had been thinking about photographing my girls with a bunch of balloons. It amazes me how we were running parallel on our creative train of thought. Yesterday morning she and I spent 2 hours picking out balloons. You should have seen us choosing color combinations... honestly, it was a blast. Janelle is one of my favorite creative friends, definitely one I am most similar to. Her creativity is so inspiring to me. The photo of my girls with the balloons is one I took. The photo shoot was a blast and I can't wait to see Janelle's photos.

2008-11-14T07:58:00.003-07:00

I switched the oil paint I was using to Rembrandt and I cannot even begin to express the difference it is already making in my painting. For the first time in a while now I can hardly wait to get to the easel painting is so much fun!

Kim Garfield, an amazing artist herself sent me something in an email describing my work and I was so struck by how perceptive she was about what I paint. It is very exciting to me when people and especially other artists are able to see beyond the surface of what I create. Anyway what she said was: "There is an earnestness emitting from your paintings. It's difficult to explain. And though you paint whimsical, almost nostalgic subject matter, there prevails a sense of loss.....a wish almost, that life as depicted in your paintings was the reality, not the unattained ideal." Kim, I thoroughly enjoyed lunch with you the other day. Thank you for the things you said... I needed to hear them more than you will know.

My friends at The Bridge academy asked me to be a guest speaker next Friday, November 21st. I will be addressing the students but it is open to anyone who would like to attend. I will be talking about my own path as an artist, things I have learned, and offering my advice and insight into pursuing a career as a professional artist. The Bridge is located in Provo and I will be speaking at 6 pm. For the exact address click on my link to the Bridge website under my artist friends.

2008-11-06T09:03:00.002-07:00

This painting is five years old, but I wanted to post it to show you how I have evolved. There are many elements of my (now evolved) style and I find it interesting to remember where I came from. I was at a good friends studio yesterday and we had a very poignant conversation about creativity and criticism. Lately I have found myself comparing my art to others and if I allowed it to continue it would be the very death of me. We were talking about how important it is NOT to criticize your own and others art. The reason I posted this painting is because there is a part of me that could rip it to shreds. I cannot help but appreciate that I let myself go through this stage. As an artist my learning and "practice" is documented with each new painting. On the other hand a master pianist for example, also becomes great by practice but what we hear is the end result sometimes forgetting... all the time, all the mistakes that got them to that place. As you already know two of my favorite artists are my girls Aleah who is 9 and Eve who is 7. There is such a freedom and freshness in their drawings that can only come through their own innocence. A quality that I have had to fight to reclaim and still struggle to hold on to. I know I have quoted this many times but feel like it is so appropriate here. Julia Cameron said "Remember by being willing to be a bad artist, you have a chance over time to be an artist, and perhaps, over time, a very good one."

2008-10-30T22:04:00.003-06:00

Here is why I feel no threat opening up and sharing all that I can with other aspiring artists... this career is tough! We need all the encouragement we can get. This profession has a way of weeding out those who are anything less than determined to stick it out through the valleys. In no way am I trying to complain or be ungrateful for what I have. However, I understand that there are those of you who want to be artists yourselves and that from the outside looking in it could appear as if "things just happen for some artists, while others "just don't seem to make it". While there are many factors that add to the reality of that, my message to you is this: Pursuing a career as an artist is tough, perhaps one of the toughest things you will ever do. For one because you will have to believe in yourself long before anyone else will. I remember reading The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron and her talking about first calling yourself an artist and then becoming one. Something which I began doing many years ago. Like anyone else I felt like I should "earn" the title by proving my worth by selling paintings, or illustrating a children's book but I decided to take the leap of faith and claim my place as an "Artist". The only reason I am producing the work that I am today is because I didn't give up years ago when I wasn't putting out anywhere near the quality of work that I am now able to create. I am older, a little wiser, and have painted for thousands of hours since then... but my soul, my desire to create things of beauty remains the same. Don't give up! Sometimes I can't believe that I didn't, and sometimes I still want to... but you need to know that yes, the journey really is this hard, worth it, but hard!

2008-10-26T22:07:00.000-06:00

2008-10-26T21:47:00.003-06:00

One of my closest friends had to put her dog to sleep on Friday. His name was Emmet and he was a Golden Retriever, he was one of those dogs that felt like a human. This friend lives right down the street from me and my girls and I were all close to Emmet. The other day we went to say goodbye and when I bent down to give him a kiss there was a puddle of tears by him from our mailman who had just said goodbye and cried too. My girls and I cried all the way up our street from her house to ours. This dog really was such an angel and really sort of had a social life all of his own independant of his family. I have known him since I moved in my house six years ago... funny how you always just think everyone you love will always be there. We take so much for granted. I forget how precious life is. I feel like my life is moving so fast like I am so busy cleaning and working and just doing every crazy thing I feel like I have to do in order to keep from sinking in my own life. Really, life is all about love... and how little attention we give it sometimes. I am grateful for the time I had with Emmet. I hate letting go but can't help but be grateful for this sweet dog's life and the reminder of how precious life truly is.

2008-10-23T22:36:00.004-06:00

Speaking of art friends... two weeks ago I had a chance to attend the party for the opening of

The Bridge Academy of Art. My friends and four of the best artists I know Jeff Hein, Justin Taylor, Sean Diediker and Ben Mcpherson started an art school. I have had the chance to attend a few things at the school and have been very impressed with what these guys are creating. One of the oppurtunities I found extremely educational and inspiring was when they had Joseph Manqueros come and speak. Joseph is the owner of Wendt Gallery which represents Jeff Hein. I couldn't help but just love Joseph, he is one of the most positive people I have ever heard speak. For those of you who are familiar with Wendt will see why it came as no surprise to me after meeting Joseph and his wife Serina that they are so successful and literally represents some of the best artists in the country. One of the most important points Joseph made while speaking was in reference to credibility. Training is important. Whether that is through an art school, a University, or studying under another artist. My point is this is exactly the kind of experience The Bridge is bringing its students. I wish I would have had something like this 10 years ago. For those of you serious about becoming a working artist and who are looking for some training...check out The Bridge (their link is under my friends list).

2008-10-21T21:32:00.003-06:00

Last Friday I had the opportunity to attend a show for Glen Edwards, who was my Illustration professor at Utah State years ago. It was so strange to stand in the gallery with him as well as some of his colleagues and other past students. Many who I have been familiar with for years. I remember being a freshman at Utah State and feeling pretty much invisible to Glen. At the time I remember wanting his attention and approval so bad. I couldn't help but feel like I was experiencing some sort of time travel, being in his and these other artists presence over 14 years later. There is really no way to describe what that experience was like for me. The biggest change for me was that I felt confident.
I have been thinking a lot about confidence lately, what creates it, and why I have it now as an artist and why at one point I didn't. I realized that for me it has a lot to do with experience. I know what it is like to be with other artists who are speaking about things I feel clueless about and I know what it is like to be a full part of an identical conversation. Here is one piece of advice for other artists who feel like they are on the outside wanting to be in. Get to know other artists, especially the ones you admire and who's work inspires you. Do research on them, find out when they are having shows and attend them. I have met many of my artists friends this way and there is something I have learned from each of them. Anyone has less confidence in any situation they are unfamiliar with. I contribute a great deal of my recent success to these friendships. I feel like I found my peer group. They have shared with me things that it would have taken me years of experience to learn on my own. Also I have made many connections that vary from things like who they use for framing to what their experience has been with a specific gallery.
The above images are detail shots from the 5x6 ft painting I am working on. There are three figures in this painting and it has been an interesting challenge for me to make them all work together... which I am still figuring out. I have been eating, sleeping, and breathing this painting.

2008-10-17T00:27:00.002-06:00

I will often get asked if I paint even when I don't feel like it. The answer is YES. I have been painting so much lately and I am feeling a little burnt out, but do any of us really have the luxury of working when we "feel like it". Right now I am painting so much that I can't seem to come up with the next color for the life of me. Persistence is perhaps one of the very most valuable qualities any artist can have. Speaking of... I found these paintings in my storeroom while I was looking for something else. These are over 13 years old. I thought it was interesting to see how much I loved pattern back then. These are both watercolor which is all I painted back then. I am extremely tired and really need to sleep, so don't hold the writing in this entry against me. Was just excited to share these watercolors with you, they are both still lifes I set up.

2008-10-12T22:26:00.003-06:00

I updated my website and created a new gallery of my "available" paintings. I had a few I was hanging onto for my January show but due to a current shortage of available work have sent them to Bonner David Gallery. This is the finished version of "Puddin Face" which is one of the three new paintings now available at Bonner David. It has been a crazy busy weekend and I can hardly wait to paint tomorrow!

2008-10-08T22:53:00.002-06:00

I just made it through two days of the flu with my girls, my house is a disaster! I just ate cookies and am feeling chubby..... BUT I have just started what could be my best painting yet! I love, love, love this new painting! I already want to keep it, which is always a good sign. This is only a portion of it, the canvas is 5x6 ft. There is something about painting on this scale that seems to bring great things out of me. On the left is my daughter Eve holding a construction paper bee. This is the kind of thing that I LOVE, this kind of creation that only young kids are still free enough to create. On Eve's shirt I reproduced some of her writing from an assignment she brought home from 1st grade. She is listing the benefits of plants... love her sounded out writing.

I have also started to draw on the clothing some of the architectural reference I took photos of during my recent visit to Seattle. I love this stage of the painting, sketched and a little bit painted... sometimes I just want to stop right here. There is something so beautiful about the creation process itself.

2008-10-06T22:05:00.002-06:00

This image doesn't even begin to do this painting justice. I love her eyes and skin tones. Since I am painting for an upcoming show at Bonner David Gallery in January I am only going to post portions of my paintings, so that the whole image will still be a surprise.

I was thinking tonight about what a gift creativity is and how it affects all of us. I was thinking about how much I love new music, about how cool the new iphones are, about how much fun I had the other night creating a new recipe. I love the adventure that life itself cannot help but bring. I love that I never know what I am going to paint next and that it is exciting to watch my paintings evolve as I do. No matter who you are or what you do creation is a part of every life.

2008-10-03T11:39:00.007-06:00

I find it extremely ironic that in the painting that I was working on last night I wrote the word breathe because of the meaning of the painting, but that was exactly what I was having a hard time doing. Right now I use odorless turpentine which I dip my brush in often to keep a point and thin my paint. I think because I started out as a watercolor artist turpentine sort of replaced water in my painting process. Last year when I was painting for my show I got sick from the constant exposure to everything in my studio. I have since aquired an air purifier (especially for oil painters) and try to keep my windows open while I am painting. I know that many artists will get sick from the petroleum distillates contained in many of the mediums oil painters use. Does anyone have a suggestion of what else I can use without having to change my process?

I will never forget when I was fourteen and visited my grandmother in a nursing home. She, along with the other residents were sitting in chairs lined up in front of a large window... that was all they did just sit and watch the world go on around them. I remember thinking at the time that it was like she was a goldfish in a bowl. It made such an impression on me. In my paintings each time you see a goldfish it represents life, and mortality. This woman is in motion which is new for me, and fun to play with. If you ever wonder if my paintings are full of symbolism the answer is yes. Sometimes I am happy to share and other times I feel like I have been caught when someone figures something out. The other day Jenn from Coda called and asked about some writing in a particular painting that she and a client had been studying. I wished I had been more subtle with what I wrote in that painting. Oops!

Let's talk...

2008-10-01T21:57:00.002-06:00

I have been thinking for a while now about how I want to use my blog to communicate with you. More than ever I am being approached by other artists who want to know how I got where I am. I know what it is like to be on the outside, wanting so badly to be an "artist"... feeling like you have to arrive at some sort of destination in order to earn the right to call yourself one. I know what it feels like to be one of a hundred artists that has approached a gallery on any given day. I have experienced periods of time where I've had no social life, when I had to lose sleep in order to paint for a deadline. I know what it is like to go months without a paycheck and the feelings of panic as I try to figure out how I am going to fit into "Corporate America".

I want to share some of the things that I have learned and am learning on my own path as a working artist. I want to open up a window into my world.. I have said before that being an artist isn't just what I do but who I am. Painting is the easy part of my life, for me it is often the time I am "off work" that is the challenge for me being a mother, dealing with real life. Everything I do, feel, see, and experience is through the filter of an artist. Sometimes I hate being a sensitive person and feeling things to the depths that I do, but I am learning to accept that this is a critical part of who I am, understanding that without it I wouldn't be creating the art that people are connecting to. I love to hear your comments and encourage those of you with questions to ask them.

2008-10-01T21:21:00.003-06:00

I have been wanting to try painting from life... to see what happens. So today my friend Janelle came over and modeled for me. The bottom image of the woman in front of the blue buildings is also Janelle which I painted almost two years ago. During the time Janelle sat for me today I spent so much of my time erasing! It was insane as I tried to take some features while making the others the way I wanted. I have gone to drawing sessions with my artist friends who happen to be amazing portrait artists and they make fun of me... how I move the eyes apart and add length to the neck, etc. Honestly, being someone who has already been down the road of trying to paint a realistic representation I have found that it is not the thing that makes me tick as an artist. It was both frustrating but very exciting to paint from life. I think Janelle is beautiful and learned a lot as I observed the colors in her skin, eyes, nose, and lips! Janelle, thanks for sharing some of your time with me!

2008-09-29T16:49:00.009-06:00

I came across these photos the other day on my computer. They are from my very first little show back in 2001. This is when I showed at Trolley Cottage Gallery and painted in Watercolor.

The painting in the top left corner with the cow jumping over the moon was the first painting I ever sold. A man bought it for his granddaughter for $600. Finding these photos gave me such an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to be where I am now. These photos were taken before I had my youngest daughter Eve. So I took some time off and did not re-enter the art scene until the fall of 2003 at A Gallery. I am grateful to Brent Godfrey for the potential he saw in my work. Brent is the reason I started to paint with oils in the spring of 2003. I am so grateful for every step I took and every door that was opened along my way. My ex-husband Jared was very supportive and watched our tiny girls at night so I could paint. Just want to say thank you to all of you who support me as an artist. I feel truly fortunate to be so passionate about "my job" if you can call it that. I know that my prices have gone up and I make a conscious effort to paint some smaller pieces in order to keep my work accessible. I know that there are those of you who have sacrificed and even made payments over time in order to aquire my work. I hear the stories and they mean a lot to me. Thank you!

2008-09-20T18:23:00.002-06:00

I have had some of the coolest experiences in the last couple of days. Thursday I finally made it up to the Monet to Picasso show at the U of U art museum. I saw a lot of great paintings but I was especially impressed by the work of Van Gogh. At the time he was using such unique colors and combining them in such a refreshing way. I have been to many art museums and have been impacted by his work each time I have seen it.
Then I had the oppurtunity to attend the Body Worlds exhibit. I experienced a wide range of thoughts and feelings as I walked through the exhibit. I found it equally interesting to watch other people as they looked at the bodies and the reaction that it caused in them. There were many thought provoking quotes displayed throughout the show. As I left I felt a respect for "the soul" and recognized how different any body is without one. It made me think about why I paint and a quote by Modigliani which says "What I am seeking is not the real and not the unreal but rather the unconscious, the mystery of the instinctive in the human race."
Last but not least I had a chance to attend the Present Tense After Party where I had a chance to see Afterimage: The Art of 337. In short, Adam and Dessi Price after attending something similar on Spring Street in New York decided to bring together what ended up being over 80 artists to create all kinds of art in a building that would be torn down. The movie was a documentary about this process. I am sad to say that I missed the chance to go inside by one day, but remember what I felt just seeing the outside of the building. I was so touched by the movie and the realization that Salt Lake truly has a diverse collection of artists. It was amazing to watch the process of what started as an idea evolve into the 337 Project and the impact it had not only on the artists involved but the entire community.
After experiencing such a variety of expression it inspires me to continue to create my own art. The last few days have been the perfect example of how there are no rules. There is no one way to create and all that I saw gave me respect for the unique gifts that each of us contribute.

2008-09-17T15:41:00.002-06:00

The other day an artist friend was flipping through my sketchbook and made the suggestion that I paint one of my faces on a much larger scale. It is so different for me but I have had a blast painting today. Just wanted to share a glimpse of this painting in my studio.

2008-09-11T22:14:00.003-06:00

Last weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Seattle to meet Liz Tran and attend her show at Some Space Gallery. My favorite part of my visit with Liz was getting the opportunity to visit her studio. I always think it is a treat to get to see where the actual creation process takes place and I found her studio especially inspiring. Liz was so great to let me go through her work and patient with me while I tried to choose what I wanted to buy. The two paintings posted above are the ones I chose. Liz thank you for the window into your world. I will never forget sitting in that great little cafe with you and talking art. I admire your work and honor what you are putting out into the world. I am truly touched by what you create!

2008-08-25T15:53:00.003-06:00

This painting is a direct result of an artist like me dealing with my addiction to sugar... and in case you are seeing a pattern this isn't the first and most definitely won't be the last. It's title is "Puddin Face" which is a name Jen (from Coda) and I came up with one winter day over a year ago. We chuckled to ourselves over the name although at the time there was no painting to go with it. So Jen, this ones for you! This Friday night during Park City's Art Walk I will be doing a little art demo... revealing some of my top secrets ;-) So if you feel like drinking some Jamba juice smoothies and watching me paint... head up to Coda Gallery Friday the 29th from 6-9 pm.
Thanks to all of you who attended the Art Access Partners show, it was nice to see some friendly faces.

2008-08-14T14:08:00.002-06:00

Often times when I am not actually painting I feel like I am not working. However, one of the most important aspects of creating new work is letting myself play and imagine. That is what my sketchbook has always been from me. It never fails that my best work usually begins there. So yesterday this is what I spent my day doing. Many of you already know that I have a passion for my girls writing and drawings. So I was excited when not too long ago I found some of my own. That is my writing from when I was 6 in the upper right corner, as well as my name on the envelope. I am feeling sentimental about my childhood. Under the little watercolors of the women on the left are photos of me at age 7 (my favorite). They represent me now and honor the little girl who will always be a part of me. I am fascinated by the path that has led me from that little girl to the woman I have become. I can feel a shift taking place in my art and wanted to share with you the beginning of it... Hope to see some of you at the show at Art Access tomorrow night.

2008-08-06T23:12:00.002-06:00

This is a photo of me and Sasha Gorham, the artist I was partnered with through Art Access Gallery. We have been working alongside one another this summer creating art and learning from each other. Their will be an Artists' Reception on Friday, August 15th from 6-9 pm
at Art Access Gallery which is located at 230 South 500 West. As always, it will be a party! Some of mine and Sasha's work will be displayed along with eight other partnerships. This has been a great experience for me and am grateful for the chance to be a part of the "Partners Program".

2008-07-28T21:47:00.003-06:00

I cannot even describe what I felt when I came across this paper of my drawings of Garfield. I must have been twelve, I remember drawing these images... I loved them so much at the time, I still do.

I am often asked whether my being an artist has an effect on my kids creativity. In response to that particular question I can't help but show off these photos of their creativity manifesting itself. Knitting is Aleahs recent endeavor but I cannot even begin to describe what she comes up with. You should see what this kid can do with a glue gun. Once she made a "house" out of yellow sticky notes and staples. If I could just tap into a tiny amount of the creativity she possesses... and then there is Eve who the other morning was burning a path from the drawer (where we keep all the things you see in her hair) and the living room. At the time I just smiled as I could tell she was up to something and her actions filled with purpose and then she came to me like this... yes, that is a watch dangling from her right pony tail ( and why not)!

2008-07-17T21:23:00.003-06:00

This is the painting that came as a result of a 10 hour drive through Wyoming. As I drove along I visualised this woman. I loved the color of the chartreuse wildflowers against the long grass and knew that was the color combination I would put on her dress... and the grey of the sky became her eyes.

2008-07-01T14:46:00.005-06:00

Last Thursday I went to the Utah Arts Festival and it was like Christmas for my artist. Barb Campbell, who only comes once every couple of years was there... so I bought a piece (or more) of her work. Some of my new pieces are in the middle photo above. It is Barb's work that has directly inspired many of my paintings. I enjoyed visiting with her and printed off some of my

paintings with her work in it. Many people have asked where my long necks came from. It was from one of her vases... the one in my painting "Learning to See." I love to see artists who do something so completely unique that it could have only come from them. I respect what Barb creates as just that.

I painted this masked woman yesterday. Every once in a while these paintings come from me that have many shades of blue. Sometimes I just find blues so completely soothing and beautiful, and I love the way different shades interact together. For me blue often shows up in my paintings when I am thinking about angels and craving a connection to spirit. The first time masks appeared in my art was in my sketchbook during a train ride through Europe. I had to chuckle when I realized that I had just left Venice (a city known for it's elaborate masks). I drew them so unaware of the subconscious influence my surroundings had on me. Since that time I have occasionally used masks in my work. They hold a very personal and significant meaning to me.

2008-06-25T13:21:00.008-06:00

Last weekend I ended up driving to Scottsdale to drop off a new body of work at Bonner David Gallery. I had a great time getting a chance to visit with one of the owners, Christi Bonner Manuelito. I was surprised to find out that she knew my art back when I was painting Roosters and has been watching my progression since then. Also we share a favorite artist, Milt Kobayashi whom she has had the chance to study with. I really like Christi and Clark and am looking forward to working with them both.

The photos are an example of what it felt like I was looking at for over 11 hours on the drive. It was funny because I saw this little boat on my way down and almost stopped to photograph it then but decided I would catch it on the way back. So on my drive home... around every barren corner I kept looking for it not remembering where on earth I had seen it. It reminded me of Liz Trans ships which you can see on her website http://www.liztran.com/. While driving I started thinking about this little boat, (and believe me I had plenty of time to think) about how many times I have felt like I was a boat in the middle of the desert with no water in sight. I thought about how sometimes you question if you should stay a boat or change into something else... something that might fit into the landscape better. Then I thought of the power of believing in yourself as a boat, having faith that you were made for the water, and then one day waking up to find yourself immersed in a beautiful ocean. That describes the journey I continually find myself on as an artist. I remember feeling like a boat in the desert, sometimes I still do... only now I know that it is by believing... (even when there is not a cloud in the sky) that the water will come.

2008-06-12T15:34:00.002-06:00

I just finished this painting today and I am so excited about this particular piece. I originally had the chair in shades of blue which I left a remnant of on the left arm. The gold and brown color combination was inspired by a painting I saw at Heather Barron's show last friday.

2008-06-02T22:52:00.008-06:00

As some of you know my good friend Heather Barron is one of my favorite artists. I am lucky enough to own two of her paintings. Just wanted to let you know that she is having a show this coming Friday, June 6th at the Ogden Railway Station. The address is 2501 Wall Ave in The Gallery at the Station from 6-8pm.

2008-05-14T22:57:00.005-06:00

Here is yet another painting of my daughter Aleah. Obviously she is one of my favorite subjects. This painting was so fun to paint. I tried something a little different with this one. Instead of using my daughters actually drawings and writing in the painting I drew them in. This painting is currently a part of the Utah Arts Council "Untitled" show and will be on display at the Rio Gallery at 300 South Rio Grande St. for the next few weeks. The show is part of gallery stroll on Friday night as well as the "300 Plate" show at Art Access Gallery which I also have work in.

2008-05-07T11:13:00.004-06:00

Saturday night was the opening party for this years Spring Salon at the Springville Art Museum.

The top photo is Justin Taylor holding a newspaper that I have yet to see. It was a complete surprise to me to see my painting in the paper advertising the show. I have to admit I couldn't help but stand by my painting the night of the show to listen to what complete strangers had to say about it. It was kind of fun. If you have a chance to make it to the museum there is some outstanding work in this years salon.

2008-04-30T06:37:00.002-06:00

Here is my third and final plate for the VSA Arts 300 plates fundraiser. I just got invitations and will send them to those of you who have requested one. I have about 5 more so if you want one let me know.

2008-04-21T10:50:00.008-06:00

My studio is finished! Ironically, it was finished over a week ago but in the transition I lost the cable to my camera so I couldn't download these photos. It feels so good and so different from before. My favorite part of my studio are the walls. I love Aleah and Eve's writing and drawings on the walls it really feels like a part of a painting. Finally, a studio that is me. Now I need to get to work!

2008-04-08T23:18:00.002-06:00

I just spent two days going through five years worth of paper! Keeping things can come back to haunt you! I decided to clean out my studio and be more like some of my artists friends. Honestly out of all my artist friends the men are by far more organized and clean. Jeff Hein, Sean Diedeker, and Greg Stocks... just to name a few. My studio was made up of some very random items of furniture. I had a computer desk that I bought over 8 years ago at a Down East Home tent sale for $50. Then there was the little dresser I bought from a garage sale. I sanded it down and painted the drawers blue. I took both of those along with other random things to D.I. today. Although I am excited for the new, I felt a little sentimental about these little pieces of furniture that have brought me this far. So I am painting my studio white, yep I said white. I have not painted anything white for years. I have decided however that I am going to let my girls draw on the wall and then I will paint it with various shades of white like I do my paintings. It feels good to be giving myself a fresh studio space. I will post photos of it when I get it done.
If you have seen my studio before it will shock you how good it is going to look. As a person who is so affected by my environment I can hardly wait to see how this will influence my art.

2008-04-01T13:16:00.002-06:00

This is my second plate for the VSA Arts 300 plate fundraiser. This painting was inspired by Bonnie and Margot (sorry for the bad photo). They belong to one of my favorite collectors Grace Ivory Rock. In 2003 Grace bought two of my first oil paintings, and recently purchased "Kids In the City 2" from my show at Coda. I had the privilege of going to Grace's home and seeing how my art was displayed. I love the way she has decorated her home and is definitely an artist in her own right.

2008-03-19T10:15:00.003-06:00

It feels good to be creating again. This is a sketch I did of Aleah. Sometimes I am able to catch something in my sketchbook that becomes difficult for me to duplicate. I feel like this sketch captures something about the 9 year old version of her. I love the messy hair and freckles.

The painting is one of three plates I am doing for the "300 Plates" fundraiser at Art Access in May. Some of you may have noticed my current love affair with the color orange. Yes, it can be difficult to sell paintings of my girls. But if I am going to paint a little girl why should I try so hard not to paint my own who I intimately know every curve of their little faces, the colors of their skin, the flip of their hair.

2008-03-09T22:01:00.005-06:00

The show friday night was a blast. Thanks to all who attended. If you couldn't make it here is a glimpse although as many people have said recently that photos just don't capture what you experience in person. I want to thank Coda for all of their support and excitement about my show. Tami, thank you for the best cookies! Thanks to my stepdad Kevin for coming up for my show, and most of all to my two little ladies for their support and patience with me as an artist and a mom. Aleah commented to me yesterday how empty our house feels without all of my paintings in it. I agreed, so I am going to get off the computer and paint again for the first time in a few weeks.

2008-03-04T21:54:00.002-07:00

Travis Tanner of Tanner Frames is the best! I just want to let him know how grateful I am that he caught my vision when I was picking frames for my show. Most of the frames are actually three moldings put together. I just got done with all of the frames this morning (right before I loaded them into my car to take to Coda) and they look beautiful. They are all made from Roma moldings and I want to thank the rep Travis works with for making it possible to frame my entire show in Roma. Travis, thank you for helping me out with my last minute emergencies and producing such quality work.

2008-03-01T13:28:00.003-07:00

My show is now less than one week away. Often times people will ask me if it is hard for me to let go of my paintings and for the most part I always answer "no". This time however, I can't say that. This painting "Birds of a Feather" is one of my favorites. There is a special energy about this group of work for my spring show. I am feeling a little bit sad to see it go. The other day I had taken the majority of my paintings to be photographed and my studio felt empty, and a little lonely. I have felt so many things in the last months while I have been painting this work. It has come from a place deep within me and I do feel a personal connection to each piece. I want to thank Karen, Michelle, Susan, and Maridin for buying some of this work. Somehow it makes it a little easier to let go of these pieces knowing that they will be close by. I want to thank all of the people who have bought my work as well as those who continually encouraged me to keep painting.

2008-02-18T14:07:00.002-07:00

This painting has been in my studio for a while now. It has been one of the toughest for me to figure out. Some of you may have seen it when the building was gray, then yellow, then orange. Finally I just made peace with the fact that this painting was all about pink. So when I finally made the house pink AT LAST I liked the painting. I love standing under a blossoming pink tree in the spring. I wanted to create a painting where you feel the protection and canopy of the trees blossoms. This tree is not only protecting the girl but has wrapped itself around her house.

2008-02-07T09:20:00.001-07:00

This is the detail from a painting you will be seeing soon. Many people have asked me about my inspiration and who has influenced my work. So I decided to dedicate this painting to answering that question. It was so much fun because I got to learn from these artists as I made an attempt to replicate small snippets of their work. Here is a little insight into how these artists have touched my life. The woman in this painting is standing in front of a doorway that I photographed while in Nice, France. I have hundreds of photos of doorways, windows, and other architectural details. I love it when I have the chance to incorporate it into my work.

Sargent: I remember the first time I saw his work at The Met. The section containing Sargent's work was temporarily closed and I somehow ended up in it by a back way...a little on purpose, but not completely. It was however good to be alone because I just wanted to cry. He painted on a huge scale. I could not help but be affected. As you look at my previous work on my site you may see his influence in my work especially on a painting I did of Aleah in a ballerina skirt and a close up of my niece Madi with a huge bow in her hair. Love Sargent!

Michaelangelo: He was born almost exactly 500 years before me on March 6, 1475... which I thought was so cool because I have always felt a connection to him. He had SO much soul. He was my favorite to learn about in art history. Did you know that he often slept in his dusty sculpting clothes in case he woke up in the middle of the night and had to create? He was often dissheveled when seen in public very unlike his contemporary Raphael. Michaelangelo lived until he was 89. Pretty amazing considering Raphael died at 37. Michaelangelo had one of the most incredible souls of any artist. If you have ever stood in the presence of David you know what I mean.

Degas: At age 12 I knew who he was and was struck by his work. When I was on an art history tour at age 21 I skipped out on the whole group when I found out there was a show of his work in London. Seeing that much of his work at one time made quite an impression on me. His colors are amazing!

William Morris: More than anything I love his sketches for the fabrics and wallpaper he designed. You can see his influence in the watercolor of mine with the Zebra butterly and tulips.

Lizbeth Zwerger: I think she has recieved every award that an illustrator can recieve. I LOVE her work. She is from Austria and has illustrated a lot of classics like Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Gift of the Magi. Her drawings are beautiful, and she has such a unique way of using color. When I was only watercoloring she was by far my greatest influence.

Barb Campbell: The "bottle" as she called it that sits on top of the stack of books is a direct representation of one I bought from her a few years ago at the Utah Arts Festival. I own 8 of her pieces. If you have wondered where the long necks and the stripes within them come from it is from this bottle. The first woman that I painted in this style is on my website under previous work of a woman holding a little brown and black dog. I love this painting because of the rawness in which it was created. I painted something that was so fresh and exciting to me, it was so different from anything I had painted previously. The night I painted her... I was painting for me. You can find Barb Campbell's work at Terzian Gallery in Park City.

2008-02-02T16:29:00.001-07:00

This is one of my girls favorite paintings for my show. This was inspired by Aleah who gathers up all of her favorite stuffed animals every night at bedtime. The current tally is 8. She has slept with the same little stuffed bunny for over 7 years. As a parent it is just the cutest thing to see this side of her. Only remnants remain of the "little girl" in her. This painting is my way of recording this part of her. This little girl has brown eyes and blonde hair just like Aleah.

2008-01-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on a 5x6 foot painting. Since it is too big to fit in my studio it is in the center of my house. Torture. That means I am looking at it all day. I will walk by and realize I need to change a color and can't start painting soon enough. The problem is it is big enough I have no choice but to live with it in this unresolved state. Usually I can go downstairs to my studio and leave the rest of my world behind or just the opposite. It has been interesting and not easy to have my two worlds collide so literally!